Many have posted that they only have FM on 222, and dismiss their ability to
use it in contesting as not viable. Let me assure you that it is indeed
viable and worthwhile. Look at a few results from the last ARRL VHF contest as
done by me.
222 FM 1945z VE3CRU/R EN93wv K1TEO FN31jh distance 394
miles or 638 km
222 FM 0000z VE3CRU/R EN94wf K1TEO FN31jh distance 405
miles or 656 km
Setup:
Icom IC-3 HT 1.5W to Mirage C22A minibrick 20W to 16 elmt K1FO at 9 to 10 feet
AGL
it was not the power, nor the antenna height that makes this possible, but
rather the antenna gain and the fact I can in 30 seconds flip it from vertical
to horizontal. In truth, the antenna was 30 degrees off horizontal as the 432
K1FO was too close and would mesh if both fully horizontal. The IC-3 for those
not familiar is one of Icom's older low power HT's that used thumbwheels on the
top to set the frequency and will go to the bottom of the 222 band if desired.
Due to swr concerns of high power stations, I will dial down to 222.200 to run
FM to stay within the range of most beams. Of course my FO performs best
there too.
As a Rover, it is wiser to cover the distance with rf gain than with rubber on
the road. The K1FO if full length breaks down to 6 foot lengths if you cannot
travel with it up. Also, you can obtain 8 foot K1FO rover beams which will
break down to a shorter length I believe if not left up. The 8 footers can
run down the road at 90 degrees to the vehicle and be legal.
Remember that the WA5VJB cheap yagis also work well and cost very little to
build.
For the Sprints, make it known to others you will be there and skeds may be
necessary to work ssb stations willing to go to FM, otherwise you will not
understand them. Set to 222.100 I did hear strong ssb stations but could not
understand for a qso.
Good luck and have fun !!!
73,
Bill VE3CRU/R
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